Bengal has exceeded performance of the country, says Governor K N Tripathi

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi on Thursday said the state has exceeded the performance of the country as a whole and lauded the Mamata Banerjee government for maintaining a peaceful environment, stable law and order situation and rapid pace of development.

"West Bengal government fully honoured the committed liabilities. In terms of major growth parameters, the state has exceeded the performance of the country as a whole," he said addressing the Assembly at the beginning of its budget session.

No incident of communal violence has been reported under the Trinamool Congress government and all communities are living together peacefully and in harmony, Tripathi said.

"The state has remained free from political disruptions during the last five years compared to the preceding five years. While the police deal firmly with the miscreants, the common people have full confidence in the police for its human face. All festivals in the state are celebrated with peace, harmony and brotherhood among the various communities," he told the House.

About development of police infrastructure, including setting up of 83 new police stations and five new police commissionerates, the Governor said the crime rate in West Bengal had decreased by 60 per cent during 2011-2014.

He gave credit to the Mamata Banerjee government for restoration of peace in the once trouble-torn and left wing extremism (LFW) affected Jangalmahal area covering the districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore.

"In Jangalmahal, 404 civilians and 48 police personnel were killed in 2009 and 2010. However, during the last three years, no such incident has taken place there," he said.

"Jangalmahal was infested by LWE in 2011. The state government took an initiative to bring the alienated masses to the mainstream of development. The rank and file of the extremist outfits were encouraged to surrender and accept a rehabilitation package. So far 129 extremists have got the benefit of rehabilitation," Tripathi said.

On crime against women, he said police have taken quick action. Charge sheets have been submitted within four days in a case at Salboni, in 10 days in a case at Burdwan and in 21 days in a case in South Dinajpur.

The Governor also gave credit to the state government for promoting various development activities during its five year tenure.